Chancellor announces City Deal

The Chancellor George Osborne today announced a City Region Deal for Edinburgh and South East Scotland.

Addressing Westminster today (Wednesday 16 March), Mr Osborne said in the Spring Budget statement that he would open negotiations on a city deal.

The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal - comprising the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian Councils - would follow other City Deals in Manchester, West Midlands and Merseyside.

Speaking on behalf of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region, City of Edinburgh Council Leader Andrew Burns said: ‘‘We are delighted with the Chancellor’s pledge to develop a City Deal for our region and welcome the opportunity to continue our engagement with both the UK and Scottish Governments.

“We submitted our proposals in September 2015 and remain as determined as ever to negotiate greater fiscal powers and funding towards strategic housing, transport and infrastructure to help the region to become the most connected, creative, inclusive and innovative place in Europe.

“This commitment from Westminster is a step forward for our proposals to tackle inequality and accelerate substantial economic growth."